The training activities of the center focus on providing comprehensive on-site energy assessments, workforce development, and educational opportunities aimed at advancing building energy efficiency and management. The main initiatives include:
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On-Site Training and Assessments: Conducting 10 annual on-site training sessions in regional buildings, including community-support buildings, K-12 schools, and small commercial buildings, with 40% of efforts targeted at disadvantaged communities. These assessments involve data logging, energy audits, report writing, and follow-ups, tailored to each client.
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Use of Advanced Tools and Analytics: Utilizing intensive data logging devices and data analytics, including machine learning, to analyze real energy consumption data, leading to actionable and accurate recommendations. This approach ensures higher implementation rates and effective training outcomes.
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Collaborative and Inclusive Training Programs: Engaging diverse participants, including students, building engineers, technicians, and managers, in hands-on activities such as energy assessments, report writing, and data analysis. K-12 students participate in school-based assessments, while building professionals receive training to conduct future assessments independently.
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Workforce Development and Certification: Training 60 individuals over three years on building energy efficiency and management to receive industry-recognized certifications to enhance workforce skills and capabilities.
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Partnerships and Outreach: Collaborating with local partners to provide expertise in data analysis, social sciences, and on-site training, while engaging in outreach in disadvantaged areas.
These activities aim to foster practical skills, promote energy efficiency awareness, and support sustainable energy practices in regional buildings.
Training Program participants are students (who will be paid from the grant) and building managers/technicians (who will be recruited for the program directly through our partners). Our student participants (80%) encompass a diverse group that includes students from our three partner institutions (University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University, and Universidad Ana G. Méndez - Recinto de Gurabo in Puerto Rico). Our non-student participants are engineers and technical staffs from our partners (Community Dreams Foundation and Calc Engineering) and other key stakeholders. This group extends to, but is not limited to, building managers and technicians, as well as anyone ready to engage in the workforce of the energy sector, particularly in the building and construction sector.
